Kai W. Wucherpfennig
Kai Wucherpfennig, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, SAB
Dr. Wucherpfennig serves as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for DoriNano. Dr. Wucherpfennig holds several prestigious positions, including Chair of Cancer Immunology and Virology and Director of the Center for Cancer Immunotherapy Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). He is the Nancy Lurie Marks Professor of Neurology in the Field of Medical Oncology at Harvard Medical School. Additionally, he serves as a Professor of Neurology at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, a Professor of Immunology at Harvard Medical School, and an Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
Dr. Wucherpfennig is a leading researcher in cancer immunology, specializing in T cell and NK cell function within the tumor microenvironment. His innovative research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that control these immune cells and the pathways that limit their effector functions. Additionally, he investigates how tumor cells resist attacks from T cells and NK cells. By integrating studies of the immune system in human tumors with detailed mechanistic investigations in model systems, Dr. Wucherpfennig aims to uncover new biological insights that can lead to novel cancer treatments. His work is particularly relevant to multiple cancer types and has the potential to inspire advancements in harnessing the immune system's power for cancer therapy. Dr. Wucherpfennig's extensive expertise and pioneering research will significantly contribute to DoriNano by advancing our understanding of immune cell interactions with tumors and developing innovative strategies for effective cancer immunotherapies.
Dr. Wucherpfennig received his MD in 1986 and his PhD in 1987 from the University of Goettingen, Germany. He completed research fellowships at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University. In 1995, he joined the DFCI, where he has been primarily involved in basic laboratory research focused on T cell immunology and cancer immunology.